# Entering the UK With Porn on Computer **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 28, 2017, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201 "2017-03-28T05:15:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/1 "2017-03-28T05:15:21Z")
Let’s say an American was traveling to London. This particular American has some pornographic images and videos on his computer (no, it COULDN’T be ME that I’m talking about!! 😉 ). I’m talking about an assortment that includes some stuff that is really raunchy (we’re not talking Playboy centerfolds) but doesn’t violate U.S. law. Is it legal to bring this evilness into the United Kingdom? If it isn’t strictly legal, is it an issue? Does border control clamp down on that sort of thing? If so, what are the penalties? Should this hypothetical American erase absolutely ALL porno from his laptop and phone? My friend who I’m asking for thanks you!! 😛 PS: I tried doing a search but apparently couldn’t find the right search terms to get an answer. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/2 "2017-03-28T05:21:12Z")
I can remember being asked specifically during one visit when I got pulled aside for extra customs attention whether or not I had pornography on my computer. It was my work computer, so it was an easy no. I definitely remember thinking it was a weird question. This was years ago, so things might have changed. I do not know what the penalties would be. The odds are that they would not have any reason to look. If authorities did look, and they found it, and the regulations haven’t changed, it sounds like it could be a problem. Might not be worth the bother of taking it. I’m a US citizen. Perhaps a British citizen who is more knowledgable about specific pornography laws could chime in with more info. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/3 "2017-03-28T05:23:43Z")
I believe the main thing you have to watch out for is BDSM porn, of which the UK rules are much stricter than the US. Fisting and facesitting porn is banned in the UK, as I understand it. For what it’s worth, I’ve taken a laptop to the UK on a couple of occasions - including arriving via the US - and never been asked about its contents. Since it’s a work laptop there was nothing questionable on it, but I’d say unless you’re the sort of person customs might want a more involved chat with, it’d be relatively low on my list of things to worry about when visiting Britain. Also: They do have The Internet in the UK, you know. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/4 "2017-03-28T06:01:52Z")
Saving porn to a computer? What will they think of next? ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/5 "2017-03-28T06:55:07Z")
It isn’t that the porn is NEEDED(!) for the trip. It’s more a matter of not wanting to fuss with moving a bunch of files somewhere while on vacation. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/6 "2017-03-28T07:17:30Z")
> [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](#): > > I’m talking about an assortment that includes some stuff that is really raunchy (we’re not talking Playboy centerfolds) but doesn’t violate U.S. law. US law doesn’t apply in the UK. It will take you all of 5 minutes to move the porn to another device. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/7 "2017-03-28T12:10:12Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > US law doesn’t apply in the UK. It will take you all of 5 minutes to move the porn to another device. How do _you_ know how much porn the [del]OP[/del] OP’s friend has? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/8 "2017-03-28T12:15:26Z")
If you travel anywhere on earth, just put all your stuff up on the Cloud — even temporarily or on your own server — and have a nearly blank computer. ---
**Author:** ![Grim\_Render](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a87d85/32.png) [@Grim\_Render](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Render)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/9 "2017-03-28T12:21:54Z")
The username/question connection is strong in this one. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/10 "2017-03-28T12:39:59Z")
You’ve heard of the concept of backups, right? Not only is there the risk, while travelling, that the hard disk dies, viruses, the computer gets lost or dropped or stolen… now it could get confiscated too? You can buy 1TB drives for less that $100. back up your important files - documents, music, photos, bank statements, bills, email and … other important files. Create a folder on the backup every so often, like “Backup20170328” and copy those critical files into there. Have a break while they copy in the background. Delete the oldest one when the disk is full. Flying into Europe from North America (and back), I don’t think I’ve had any more inspection than someone looking at my passport. They’ve never even opened my suitcase to look inside. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/11 "2017-03-28T12:58:11Z")
> [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](#): > > PS: I tried doing a search but apparently couldn’t find the right search terms to get an answer. The right search term in the case is “[extreme porn](http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/extreme_pornography/#an04).”\* > [@British government](#): > > The offence of possession of extreme pornographic images in Part 5, sections 63 to 67 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (the Act) came into force on 26 January 2009 and is not retrospective. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice circular 2009/01 on the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act: possession of extreme pornographic images. > > Sections 63 to 67 of the Act make it an offence to possess pornographic images that depict acts which threaten a person’s life; acts which result in or are likely to result in serious injury to a person’s anus, breasts or genitals; bestiality; or necrophilia. They also provide for the exclusion of classified films etc. and set out defences and the penalties for the offence. > > (snip) > > Section 63(7) lists a number of extreme acts including: > > ``` > a) An act which threatens a person's life; this is not defined in the Act and therefore should be given its ordinary dictionary meaning. The Ministry of Justice note of " Further information on the new offence of Possession of Extreme Pornographic Images" at paragraph 11 gives examples of life threatening acts. > > b) An act which results in or is likely to result in serious injury to a person's anus, breast or genitals; this could include the insertion of sharp objects (although in some circumstances this can be done in a way that is not likely to result in serious injury) or the mutilation of breasts or genitals. It is likely to be difficult to prove that cases of 'fisting' involve images that show activity that is likely to result in serious injury so these cases need to be handled with particular care. Serious injury is not defined in the Act and should be given its ordinary dictionary meaning, being a question of fact for the District Judge or jury. > > ``` \*I actually googled, “what type of porn is illegal in uk” is it was the second link. I hope this is of use to your friend. ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/12 "2017-03-28T13:20:35Z")
There’s a British Consulate in **[San Fran](https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-san-francisco)**, and another in **[LA](https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-los-angeles)** if you were travelling near by. They are bound by law to help prospective tourists if you drop in. Take some samples so they can judge your needs. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/13 "2017-03-28T13:27:04Z")
Wasn’t ‘the cloud’ created for this? ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/14 "2017-03-28T13:52:48Z")
> [@Evan\_Drake](#): > > There’s a British Consulate in **[San Fran](https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-san-francisco)**, and another in **[LA](https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-los-angeles)** if you were travelling near by. They are bound by law to help prospective tourists if you drop in. > Take some samples so they can judge your needs. “Hello, consulate? I’m travelling to the UK in two months; here’s my personal details to put into the Customs computer system so you can watch for me and do a detailed examination of my laptop when I arrive… and every time after that.” ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/15 "2017-03-28T13:57:18Z")
I don’t know what the law is in your state nut avoid anything that includes animals or children (defined as under 16 here, but in practice - under 18 for porn) You should note that drawings and cartoons are treated the same as photographs. ---
**Author:** ![femmejean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/0ea827/32.png) [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/16 "2017-03-28T13:58:42Z")
OP, I think you’re a bit too paranoid. Sure, there are laws covering pornography but unless you bring a significant amount of attention to yourself in the presence of Immigration/Customs officers and/or behave suspiciously, It’s highly unlikely for you to be searched. Border Security shows would like to give you the impression that random checks are a thing, but keep in mind you don’t hear about guys that don’t get searched. Though keep in mind nowadays, customs officers in many countries have complete authority in searching your baggage (any contents within), physical body, and in some cases financial accounts. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/17 "2017-03-28T14:50:30Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > I don’t know what the law is in your state nut avoid anything that includes animals or children (defined as under 16 here, but in practice - under 18 for porn) > > You should note that drawings and cartoons are treated the same as photographs. Huh? Anything under 18 is “time in jail and register for life” material. I recall some article that said Holland allowed 16, but pretty much everywhere else, 18 is the limit. Plus, IIRC US has the law that traveling abroad to have sex with someone under 18 -even if legal age in that country -is itself a crime. And unless you are returning home (where they have to let you in), any customs who asks for your password to examine your laptop or phone - if you refuse, they may just send you back home on the next plane, at your expense. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/18 "2017-03-28T14:57:44Z")
> [@md2000](#): > > Huh? Anything under 18 is “time in jail and register for life” material. Sorry, I wasn’t clear. The age of consent for both sexes is 16 (Teachers and others in authority have different constraints), but the minimum age to appear in porn is 18. ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/19 "2017-03-28T18:06:50Z")
It might be better for you if you just delete it all and give up your addiction. Nothing good comes from it. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2017, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201/20 "2017-03-28T18:22:06Z")
> [@Grim\_Render](#): > > The username/question connection is strong in this one. Tee hee heeee!! This is the first time I’ve ever gotten a “username/post” comment. I feel so special now. 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entering-the-uk-with-porn-on-computer/783201.md?page=2)